London Writers' Salon

25

A deep dive into the habits, mindsets, tools, craft secrets and creative practices bestselling writers use to write novels, plays, poetry, and articles. Hosted by the co-founders of the London Writers' Salon, Matt & Parul.

Recent Episodes
  • #149: Tim Duggan – How To Be Rethink Work, Share and Write Bestselling Nonfiction Books & Design A Life With Meaning
    Jun 14, 2025 – 01:21:22
  • #148: Mark Haddon — The Writing Habit That Changed Everything: Lessons from 18 Books, Creative Doubt & Writing Without A Map
    Jun 7, 2025 – 00:59:05
  • #147: Jane Friedman — The Publishing Industry is Changing. Here’s What Writers Should Know About Pitching, Platforms & Protecting Their Work
    Jun 1, 2025 – 01:07:42
  • #146: Alda Sigmundsdóttir — How Blogging Changed My Life, Indie Publishing 101, Memoir, Writing About Culture With Integrity
    May 25, 2025 – 00:59:06
  • #145: Maggie O’Farrell — Confessions of a Novelist: Writing from Instinct, Why Revision is Essential, Facing Doubt & Finding the Story’s Heartbeat (From the Vault)
    May 18, 2025 – 00:42:52
  • #144: Eleanor Anstruther – The Book Industry Rejected Me. So I Built My Own Audience on Substack; Serialising Online, Writing Literary Fiction; Being an Independent Artist, Creating Your Artist DNA
    May 10, 2025 – 01:00:32
  • #143: Julia Cameron – How to Reignite Your Creativity Through Daily Rituals, Believing Mirrors & The Artist’s Way (From the Vault)
    May 4, 2025 – 00:42:18
  • #142: Chris Banks – How To Use AI In Your Writing , Staying Weird & Keeping Control as Creatives
    Apr 27, 2025 – 00:39:21
  • #141: Jono Hey – Build a Creative Practice That Sticks: Mastering Visual Thinking, 900+ Sketches, Deep Simplicity and Collaborating with Bill Gates
    Apr 19, 2025 – 01:02:22
  • #140: Matt Trinetti – Building The World's Most Engaged Writing Community: Navigating Boundaries, Fostering Belonging, Harnessing the Power of Connection & the Importance of Creative Health
    Apr 12, 2025 – 00:30:01
  • #139: Steve Almond – The Truth About Creative Failure, Overcoming Ego, and Writing Stories That Actually Matter
    Apr 5, 2025 – 01:00:34
  • #138: Nicola Slawson – From Journalism to Book Deals: Pitching, Newsletters, and Building a Writing Life on Your Own Terms
    Mar 29, 2025 – 01:11:25
  • #137: Sareeta Domingo – Writing Love That Feels Real, Breaking into Publishing, Writing Intimacy on the Page, and Selling Romance
    Mar 22, 2025 – 00:57:11
  • #136: Tessa Hadley – The Secrets of Literary Fiction: How to Craft Powerful, Resonant Stories, Creating Compelling Stories, Publishing in your 40s, 50s and beyond
    Mar 15, 2025 – 01:04:05
  • #135: Anne-Laure Le Cunff — The Science of Creativity: Using Tiny Experiments to Unlock Growth, Learning, and Better Writing
    Mar 8, 2025 – 01:08:13
  • #134: Jody Eddy – Michelin Kitchens, Monks & The Cookbook Playbook: What Top Chefs Taught Me About Rituals & Success; NonFiction Proposal & Food Writing
    Mar 1, 2025 – 01:07:20
  • #133: Michael Dean – The Invisible Patterns Behind Great Essays: How Essay Architecture Can Shape Your Writing and Break Through Perfectionism.
    Feb 22, 2025 – 00:42:44
  • #132: Dava Sobel — The Art of Science Storytelling, Writing Hidden Histories & How a Rejected Pitch Became a Bestseller
    Feb 16, 2025 – 00:55:44
  • #131: Sophie Flynn — Writing Thrillers, Should You Be A Kindle Bestseller or Go Down The Traditional Publishing Route? Plus the Mindset for a Long-Term Writing Career
    Feb 9, 2025 – 01:02:22
  • #130: Oliver Burkeman - An Imperfectionist's Guide to Overcoming Distraction and Finding Creative Flow, Writing NonFiction
    Feb 2, 2025 – 00:54:37
  • #129: Anita Bhagwandas - Pitching And Crafting Viral Stories, Navigating ADHD, and Breaking Beauty Myths.
    Jan 26, 2025 – 01:05:56
  • #128: Sanjoy K. Roy — From 0 to 500k: Growing the Jaipur Literature Festival and Shaping Global Culture, How Art & Festivals Transform Cities
    Jan 19, 2025 – 00:58:21
  • #127: Holly Black — Crafting Bestselling Fantasy: World-Building, Character Development, and The Prisoner’s Throne
    Jan 14, 2025 – 00:51:58
  • #126: John Muirs Laws — The Nature Journaling Framework To Unlock Boundless Creativity, Curiosity as a Superpower, and How to Deepen Your Writing
    Jan 7, 2025 – 00:58:35
  • #125: Vicky Reynal — Financial Therapy for Creatives, Balancing Art & Income, Financial Resilience, Writing Non-Fiction
    Dec 28, 2024 – 00:55:44
  • #124: Beth Kempton — Writing Non-Fiction, Turn Life’s Challenges into Creative Fuel, Unlocking Your Intelligent Heart, Fearless Creativity, Navigating Grief
    Dec 24, 2024 – 00:53:36
  • #123: Anna Bogutskaya — Writing Horror, Role of the Monster, Breaking Creative Boundaries, Writing Nonfiction
    Dec 16, 2024 – 01:03:16
  • #122: David Perell — Find Your Voice, Make Your Writing Memorable & Build a Personal Monopoly plus The Write of Passage Story
    Dec 5, 2024 – 00:37:28
  • #121: Kate Mosse — From Aspiring Writer to Literary Game-Changer, Launching The Women's Prize For Fiction, Writing Historical Fiction, Finding Success After Rejection
    Nov 20, 2024 – 01:00:25
  • #120: Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky — Wellness For Writers, How to Matter, Writing Non-Fiction, Building Communities, Why You Should Stay Away From Narcissists
    Nov 4, 2024 – 00:57:18
  • #119: Penny Wincer — Home Design For Writers, How To Transform Any Space Into A Space to Write, Writing Non-Fiction Proposals, Balancing Creativity with Life’s Demands
    Oct 18, 2024 – 01:03:14
  • #118: Sam Copeland — How to Catch The Eye Of A Literary Agent, Compelling Pitch Letters & Writing Funny Children’s Fiction
    Sep 29, 2024 – 00:52:06
  • #117: Kate Young — Writing Cookbooks, Viral Blogs, Plotting Romcoms and Writing Sex Scenes
    Sep 23, 2024 – 00:58:25
  • #116: ​Pádraig Ó Tuama — Using poetry to notice the world, Knowing when a poem is done, How to strengthen your poetry writing
    Sep 14, 2024 – 00:17:09
  • #115: Rachel Blackmore & Literary Agent Juliet Pickering — Getting Published, Historical Fiction, Making Your Pitch Stand Out & Inside a Literary Agent’s World
    Sep 4, 2024 – 01:06:00
  • #114: David Whyte - Reads poems: A Seeming Stillness, A Song for the Salmon and Start Close In. Plus Writing Rituals, Fallow Periods and Frontiers
    Aug 27, 2024 – 00:19:24
  • #113: Lyn Slater — How to Reinvent Yourself At All Ages, Becoming An Accidental Icon, The Reality of Going Viral, Blogging for Pleasure, Writing Memoir & Moving Beyond Fame
    Aug 17, 2024 – 01:02:50
  • #112: Olivia Petter — The Power of Vulnerability, Finding Your Niche in Journalism, Viral Posts, Writing about Love, Relationships & Culture
    Aug 10, 2024 – 01:06:25
  • #111: Charlie Hoehn — Launching Bestselling Nonfiction; Why Play is Key For Happiness & Marketing For Writers
    Jul 22, 2024 – 01:16:57
  • #110: Beth Morrey — Writing Funny, Upmarket Fiction
    Jul 8, 2024 – 00:58:22
  • #109: Nora Neus — Turn Your Ideas Into Newsworthy Stories, Pitching Articles, Books and Graphic Novels
    Jun 29, 2024 – 01:08:03
  • #108:  Oisín McKenna — Literary Novels, Breaking Into Spoken Word, Writing In Fragments, Trusting Your Impulses
    Jun 16, 2024 – 01:03:18
  • #107: Niamh Mulvey — Writing Literary Fiction, Short Stories & Navigating The Publishing Industry, Creating Memorable Characters
    Jun 11, 2024 – 00:59:07
  • #106: David Heinemeier Hansson — Turning Blogs into Bestselling Books, Writing Non-Fiction, Books as Products, Selling 1 million copies, Rethinking Work, Finding Meaning In Business & Writing
    Jun 1, 2024 – 01:10:20
  • #105: Krystal Sutherland — Secrets To Writing a Page-Turner, Writing Young Adult Fantasy & Thrillers, How to Motivate Yourself, Amazon Studios
    May 18, 2024 – 00:58:33
  • #104: Rupal Patel — Lessons from the CIA, Building A Creative Practice, Prioritising Time & Writing Non-Fiction
    May 4, 2024 – 01:06:55
  • #103: Pádraig Ó Tuama — Reading, Analysing & Writing Poetry; Making A Living as a Poet
    Apr 27, 2024 – 01:02:42
  • #102: Michael Jamin — Writing for TV, Personal Essays, Self-Publishing & Building a Platform
    Apr 22, 2024 – 00:59:12
  • #101: Eliza Reid — Writing Fiction & Nonfiction as Iceland's First Lady
    Apr 6, 2024 – 01:03:41
  • #100: Clara Vulliamy — Crafting Picture Books and Older Children's Stories, Dealing with Rejection, Finding Your Voice
    Mar 30, 2024 – 01:01:21
Recent Reviews
  • Sara aka Meg
    Inspiring & practical
    The hosts do a very good job of getting diverse writers to let their hair down and reflect on their personal experiences of finding their way into writing careers. Thank you, LWS!
  • H Meza 19
    Must listen for writers
    I enjoy the range of writers interviewed - fiction, non-fiction, poets, children’s authors etc and the topics covered - writing, literature, business, mindset. Every episode is different and I learn a lot even though it’s a very easy and accessible listen
  • seejenntri
    LWS Podcast is my favorite go to for inspiation
    No matter what these podcasts need fail to inspire to keep writing. I always learn something new or take away a nugget that makes my writing better. Thanks for all the great interviews. My favorite and always excited to find a new one or re listen to a favorite!
  • janekleary
    Wonderful Listen
    I’ve been feeling the nudge to find a writing community and the session with David Whyte was an excellent entry into the LWS world. I particularly loved the last 10 minutes with him. Looking forward to many more podcasts and further involvement and connection with LWS. Cheers!
  • Ken Guidroz
    One of the best
    I’m about two years into listening to dozens, maybe by now hundreds of podcasts on the craft of writing. I fancy myself as getting an MFA via podcast. Well, in my opinion London Writers is one of the best: high quality guests, podcasters who don’t talk too much and instead bring out the best in their guest, and hardly anything other than the interview on the podcast. Really really really good.
  • Laura-Anne Evans
    Deep Dive Interviews on LWS
    These dynamic, deep-dive interviews stick with you for days, weeks after listening: I highly recommend Matt
  • watcha33
    Wonderful Discovery
    I found London Writers’ Salon podcast when I google “best podcast for writing” and this one was in the top 10. I listened and my wonderful discovery is their website with all its great resources. The greatest of which is the Daily Writing Hour. I immediately signed up and it’s fabulous. Wherever you are in the world you can join with hundreds of others and write in your own time zone for one hour. There are groups you can join focussing on many different writing genres. Highly recommend London Writers’ Salon.
  • Rb165405
    A joyous literary experience!
    Ma and Pa bring in such amazing guests and get them to open up about their struggles, finances, insecurities and, of course, writing success. A must listen for any writer or aspiring writer.
  • beckett1225
    London Writers Salon podcasts
    Good and broad choice of subjects and content. Relaxed tone to interactions: camaraderie, colloquial, drawing out salient points of a writer's evolution and practice and skillful steering of conversation's direction. And encouraging!
  • Mmorga4
    Listen if you dream of being a writer!
    These are amazing for learning the "real" behind the scenes of writing band writer's lives. Tree-climbing! Dealing with the bills, looking for the next book. All super informative and interesting interviews with great questions. I attend the writing club and this complements it very nicely.
  • Nicole Fitz
    Writing Podcast Worth Your Time
    Parul and Matthew, creators of London Writers Salon, conduct their interviews with warmth and depth, as well as brevity. No chatty, cutesy, self-promotion here. Simply great interviews and information, delivered with skill, grace, and heart. The pair have marvelous professional connections and are able to bring top-notch writers, editors, and other creators to their audience. Very much worth your time.
  • Momsbusynest
    My New Favorite Podcast
    Bringing the same magic to my day as London Writers’ Hour, the LWS Podcast is such a treat. Matt and Parul have created yet another enchanting and enhancing experience for writers, by writers. And just as writers’ hour benefits my daily word count, listening to the podcast while on my morning trek is increasing my step count while I listen and learn from the brilliant guests. Bravo! Can’t wait for more episodes!
  • planewrite
    LWS podcast 🥳❤️
    I love this podcast! Interviews with writers of different genres, nationalities and ages with two of the warmest, most engaging hosts - Parul Bavishi and Matt Trinetti, founders of the London Writers’ Salon. Every episode so far has inspired me, made me laugh and made me think. Great for writers and readers alike.
  • sarahjm1977
    So glad I found this community!
    Parul and Matthew are wonderful interviewers and hosts. They’re created such a unique community with the morning writing club, and this podcast brings it all together with insightful and inspiring interviews with writers of all genres.
  • PaperDollTales
    Calling all writing addicts!
    Kinder humans than hosts Matt and Parul you cannot find. They carefully prep their interviews and draw the best insights out of their guests. Writers of all kinds will find their craft explored with thoughtful, even at times reverential, insights in the LWS podcast. Such encouragement to any of us creating through the written word. Excellent podcasts so far—can’t wait for more interviews ahead!
  • flee the facility fan
    Very Useful and Motivating
    I have only recently come across LWS but I am hooked. I appreciate how this podcast makes writing accessible and helps me feel like I don’t have to be perfect to be a writer. I particularly enjoyed Holly Bourne being honest that she didn’t thrive during lockdown and how important it is to read to be a good writer. You does a great job discussing the boredom of a story and finding a way to unearth a fossil in our mind. I recommend this to anyone who loves to write and needs some support and motivation.
  • Espree Devora
    London Writers Salon is INCREDIBLE
    The wealth of knowledge and candid conversations amongst professional seasoned writers on the LWS podcast is unparalleled. Mentorship, action steps, inspiration and emotional support are all wrapped up into each empowering episode.
  • Adough9
    An Important Contribution
    LWS offers a refreshingly authentic and meaningful contribution to the literary community and to the artistic society as a whole. They deliver interviews with attention, compassion, and sincerity. Jane Friedman once noted the importance of being responsible literary citizens; LWS has taken a vital role in leading this community and its citizens.
  • Chiefrocky
    Exactly what I needed!
    Matt and Parul are a breath of fresh air as interviewers, and they are really helping me refocus on my writing goals.
  • trinowski
    insightful, great hosts and guests
    I’ve been looking for a podcast specifically focused on writers and the creative process and I couldn’t have found a better resource as an aspiring creative. Highly recommend to anyone navigating their creative pursuits, whether you are just starting out or as successful and accomplished as the guests.
  • Montana Jodi
    So much useful information provided with intelligence AND live
    I can’t really say enough about how these sessions and LWS in general has driven my writing in a positive and productive direction. Thank you Matt and Parul and all their lovely guests.
  • hello•-•
    Excellent podcast and community
    I’m so glad I found the London Writers’ Salon. Parul and Matthew are skilled at guiding conversations and extracting insightful nuggets on craft and life from a wide range of working writers. I’ve only recently joined the community and started attending the morning writing hours, and already my writing and focus have improved.
  • Qohelet
    Excellent, Helpful Interviews
    London Writers’ Salon is a tremendous institution and their interviews are fantastic. It’s a must listen!
  • KRob817
    An Inspiring Podcast for Writers and Creatives
    A wonderful offering from the founders of London Writer’s Salon. Matt and Parul are now sharing their insightful interviews once offered to members only with the podcast listening community. And have a notebook handy - you’ll want to take notes. You may even be inspired to rediscover that long-forgotten writing project!
  • flyrobinfly9
    I love LWS! And love this podcast!
    Matt and Parul of LWS have created something really special. These interviews are like listening in on an MFA course, or like eavesdropping on a convo between brilliant creatives about their work, creative process, hopes, dreams, fears, etc. This show is so binge-able! Can’t wait for new episodes!
  • lewilewiQ
    Immense gratitude
    The London Writers’ Salon has been a true saving grace. I know the community is always there, for me to take part and focus on my writing projects, to keep moving that needle forward. They are consistent and upbeat and just plain welcoming. I can’t wait to dive into their podcast and make it a new addition to my writing and inspiration routine.
  • troutli_
    Essential Listening for Writers
    Little has helped on my writing journey more than listening to interviews hosted by London Writers’ Salon. Matt and Parul are exceptional hosts who infuse the podcast with enthusiasm and curiosity. Their questions evoke beautiful insights from their guests in discussions about craft, realities of the writing life, and how we incorporate art-making into our days. Informative and uplifting, this podcast feels like a warm conversation with friends who know exactly which artistic questions are on my mind and heart. I always leave these interviews inspired and ready to write.
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